Saturday, October 12, 2019

Priestleys portrayal of Inspector Goole in An Inspector Calls Essay

Consider the ways in which Priestley's portrayal of Inspector Goole and the way in which he carries out his investigation of the Birling family and Gerald Croft create dramatic interest? 'An inspector calls' was written in 1945 by J.B Priestley. The play is set in 1912 and centres on Arthur Birling, a prosperous manufacturer and his family, who are celebrating the engagement of their daughter, when they are suddenly and dramatically interrupted by the arrival of the police inspector. The inspector, investigating the suicide of a young working-class woman, uncovers each of the family's shameful secrets that link them with the young girl and her death. Priestley was a strong believer in socialism, opposing capitalism which exploits and degrades the working classes to benefit the rich. Priestley believed that whether we acknowledged it or not, we are all part of one big community and have the responsibility to look after everyone else, no matter who they are or what their status is. In 'An inspector calls' Priestley tries to highlight these beliefs and educate the audience on how they should treat one another. This message was particularly effective to the audiences of 1946 as, weary from the Second World War they were looking for change. The Inspector's quote of 'Fire, blood and anguish' refers to the 1st and 2nd World Wars, would have had great emotional impact on the audience and caused them to think more deeply into the play and Priestley's message. During the Second World War social classes were forced to mix, children were evacuated to where was safest and not according to class, all young men were forced to mix in the Trenches and on the Front Line, the women left at home were forced to all work in the factories together, al... ...ugh they are his social superiors. He is or need not be a small man but however creates an impression of massiveness and of purposefulness; this comes across in the whole atmosphere he creates. He uses many tactics such as the photograph and graphically detailed descriptions to shock both the audiences and the characters. By shocking the audience he can best get across his moral warning and by shocking the other characters he can best get them to open up to him and admit their wrongs. The Inspectors overall approach to the investigation is totally irregular, which creates dramatic interest and in some points emotional conflicts which create tension and keep the audiences attention. But even after he has left, he is still creating interest and tension as the characters try to decide whether or not he was a real inspector and in fact whether or not he was actually real.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Andrew Carnegie Essay

The rise of capitalism was characterised by exploitation and opportunity. Opportunities, if taken at the chance, enabled men to access wealth. Andrew Carnegie is the perfect example of an entrepreneur and man who built the roots of American infrastructure. He can also lived the ‘perfect’ American dream. He has a typical ‘rags to riches’ story, which makes him a historical icon and an admirable man. Carnegie is known to have built a fortune on steel. However, the ways in which he made money could be considered an abuse to ethics and moral rights. Toward the end of his life, Carnegie decided to use his wealth for the greater good of the community and encouraged learning. For the above reasons, he can be considered as a robber baron, but I believed that he also worked for the greater good of human nature. Carnegie was able to take opportunities to create a vast fortune. He came from absolutely nothing, but is known as a captain of industry. He monopolised wealth, transport and infrastructure. He was born in Scotland in 1835. His family migrated to America in 1848 when he was thirteen. As a young boy, he worked in a cotton factory in Pittsburgh. He did not have many years of schooling nor attended university but he became the richest man on the planet during the industrial revolution. In this sense, he is the incarnation of the American Dream. One of Carnegie’s sayings; â€Å"The first man gets the oyster, the second gets the shell† explains his career fully. Carnegie had the ability to identify and seize opportunities, to foresee what would happen to industries and to take risks. He also stated that; â€Å"people who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity no matter how impressive their other talents† show his ambitiousness. Carnegie was not content with commonplace. His ability to seize opportunities and invest in them helped greatly his career. He saw potential in telegraphing and transport. While he was working in the railroad industry, in 1859, he saw a connection between steel and infrastructure. Carnegie grabbed the opportunity and created a successful steel company, a great example of capitalist exploitation. Carnegie’s steel company, Carnegie Steel, which opened near Pittsburgh in the 1870s, is an example exploitation during the rise of capitalism. Carnegie created employment. The way he ran his company can be believed to be an  abuse of manpower and human capacities. His workplace was similar to modern day sweatshops. He made men work hard. They had long hours, twelve hours per day, six days per week, in extremely poor working conditions. Because steel was in demand at the time, due to the advancements in steam engines, Carnegie decided to keep costs low to attract more people. However that meant that he kept his workers’ wages low as well. This resulted in violent labour strike in 1892. Carnegie always preached for rights of workers and unions. However his actions did not match his rhetoric. A major strike at Carnegie Steel was a clash between capitalism and workers’ unions. It was bloody and violent. It lasted five month. During that time Carnegie went to Scotland and left the company’s general manager, Henry Clay Frick in charge. 300 Pinkerton armed guards were posted around the factory and ten men were killed. Carnegie’s only way out of this dilemma was to sell his factory. He sold it to J. Pier Morgan, for $480 million, in 1901. Andrew Carnegie turned his career from capitalism to philanthropy. When Carnegie sold his steel company to Morgan, he became the â€Å"richest man on earth†, said Morgan the day he bought the company. In 1889, Carnegie had published an essay, in which he stated that, â€Å"the rich have a moral obligation to distribute their money in ways to promote the welfare and happiness of the common man†. He also said that, â€Å"the man who dies rich thus dies disgraced†. During his life he gave away more than $350 millions. Carnegie supported education and reading. He donated money to 2500 libraries around the world. The particular thing about Carnegie’s philanthropist career is that he did not just want to help people; he wanted to help others help themselves. He gave away his money for the improvement of mankind. For example, giving money away to libraries instead of people allowed mankind educate themselves. Consequently, education became easier to access for everyone. Carnegie became one of the most famous philanthropists, a complete opposite to the man whom exploited people in his factory. Andrew Carnegie was both a robber baron and a philanthropist. In my opinion, he worked for the greater good of human nature. He was a man who took opportunities to make his career, as well as giving other opportunities. Even though he exploited people, and the working conditions in his steel  factory are an example of that, he offered them jobs, and a way to make money for their families. I agree that in the end he â€Å"helped others to help themselves†. His massive donation of $350 millions shows his change of heart towards the end of his life. As Carnegie, grew up in a poor social class, I believe that he wanted to give others similar opportunities as he strived for. Giving them a chance for education and free access to libraries. The millions of dollars that he donated gave others a chance to improve their lives. I believe that Andrew Carnegie is a man to be remembered as one whom sought better mankind.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Mgx Assignment

Negotiated Agreements/eliminative/Protective Techniques of Long-term Strategies ill. Use of Personal Relationships lb. Proactive Strategies 1 OFF it. Development Introduction The world of business is becoming overcrowded every day, and companies have to develop strategies on a global basis. Political, legal, cultural and economic circumstances vary significantly around the world. Even though investing in an international market may require intensive capital, the reward of such a business ay be enormous.The sale of products and services in another country enables the company to increase its sales, expand the products life cycle, improve brand recognition, and reduce the risks of operating in a single market (Hill, 2009). Before choosing a foreign country for business, numerous aspects have to be considered. For instance, one must consider the nature of politics in that country as well as the political risks involved. Political risks entail the hazardous impacts that political events o r decisions may have on a business. Such risks range from corruption, tax laws, and protests to wars.To manage these risks, companies must carry out comprehensive research beforehand. Some countries may be extremely conservatives while others may be easy to do business (Harrison, 2009). This paper will examine the political aspects affecting entry into an emerging country in comparison to entry into a less developed country. Special attention will be given to Brazil and Bangladesh. Political Aspects Related to Brazil There are different political systems in Brazil that are likely to affect business. To certain extent, these risks subject the country's investors and their investment at take.An examination of Brazier's political environment indicates that Brazil is a federal republic made up of 26 states and a capital district. It has a dynamic multi- party system of government with twenty parties represented within its congress, this is to suggest that it is a democratic state. The q uality and effectiveness of the government services and infrastructure are continuously being improved by the government Jeffrey, 2011). Despite the massive improvements that have been witnessed in Brazil, the country still grapples with corruption related risks that may hinder business.These cases were most prevalent during the reign of the former president Luis Niacin â€Å"Lull† Dad Silva. After taking office in 2002, the president was instrumental in improving the country's poor economic condition. However, scandals tainted his presidency especially in 2007 when it was discovered that government officials were participating in trade of municipal properties. Political protests are a common sight in the streets of key cities in Brazil. This is usually done by local groupings pushing for certain agendas to be addressed by the government.Such protestors' tendency to involve violence, looting and destruction of property. For instance, Brazil witnessed a considerable number of protests against ALCOA which intended to set up a hydroelectric power plant in the country in 2004. The protests were sparked by the environmental groups who wanted the company to consider mitigating environmental damages in its project (Hill, 2009). Another risk of doing businesses in Brazil is that of rampant police brutality and gang violence. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 homicides are reported every year in the country.It is also alleged that the police are often behind numerous extra judicial executions. This has tainted the image of what is by far one of the most prominent economies in Latin America (Hefted, 2007). While the country presents numerous reasons that defend its position as a strong market, entry requires extensive research and planning. Regardless of the company's consideration, be it acquisitions or restructuring, it needs to understand the strategic and fiscal impact of such decisions and the fore mentioned implementation risks.Appreciating where th e opportunities and risks are positioned, the size of each opportunity and what opponents are doing will arm the company with the confidence to enter the Brazilian arrest (Derek, 2006). Political Aspects Related to Bangladesh Like Brazil, Bangladesh has also experienced massive growth in its political systems. For instance, the country has witnessed the transition of power to democratically elected leaders. Despite this significant change, there are still confrontational tendencies within the political front.In 2007, for instance, the government was forced to declare a state of emergency after the opposition protested against the ruling presidency of Sheik Hessian Waged. This has, over the course of time, had negative repercussions on foreign business growth (Theodore, 010). Moreover, party politics between the opposition Bangladesh Nationalists Party (BAN) and Bangladesh Miami League (AL) remain rife. It seems neither of the two can back down from confrontations on how to run the g overnment. The ongoing trails on war crimes too catalyst the political unrests.In fact, these tribunals still have a long way to go before issue of verdicts. However, the courts already issued the first ruling which is expected to stabilize the political air. This goes a distance to remove the fear that Psalmists wars could have begun. The political climate is relatively tense for doing business. Recent cases of violence have been reported in areas around Southeast Chitchatting. Such violence is characterized by ethnic clashes between those in support of a democratic regime and those who desire the status quo to remain. The political risk is further heightened by a high level of poverty and inflation.It is estimated that roughly one in every three Bangladesh is afflicted with abject poverty. Moreover, thousands demonstrate in the streets against the arrest of their trade-union leader. Significantly, the government loses grip of maintaining law and order hence scaring off possible in vestors. It is no doubt that a country that lacks democratic systems and effective leadership is bound to repel economic growth. Political risks play a significant role of barring investors from investing in the country for fear that their businesses would be at stake.This comparison has shown the aspects of doing business in both Brazil and Bangladesh. Over the past decade, Brazil has become a progressively attractive and profitable market for international companies. More companies are seen to shift their focus on this emerging economy. Entering Brazil is good, however it's not easy cause of the immense competition and the availability of business know-how among other reasons (Peabody, 2005). On the other hand, Bangladesh is a less developed country whose economy major depends on the garments industry.Entry into this country is relatively easy because government restrictions are not deterrent to foreign business. All the same, Brazil is a favorite of many because of the immense po tential for profitability. Regardless of a relatively splendid performance in the last two decades, the Bangladesh economy is plagued with numerous structural weaknesses, which are yet to be addressed. Some of the significant issues include an incapacitated public sector, intellectualized financial sector, lack of export diversification, poor infrastructure, and pervasive corruption (Scheme, 2004).The failure of the government to address these long-standing problems has adversely affected the investment environment. On the other hand, Brazier's problems are on a lower scale, and the government is seen to put structures in place in order to develop all of its sectors. Compared to Brazil, Bangladesh is a poor economy characterized by a vast population living in rural areas. The main economic activity is agriculture armament manufacturing, but many businesses are seen to shift into the service and production industries. The case of Brazil is that of relative advancement.The country has a mature democracy, sustainable infrastructure and relative ease of doing business. Overcoming Political Risks Multi-national companies wishing to invest in the foreign market must develop long-term strategies based on intensive market research. They must be able to exercise their existing position relatively well and ensure they maximize on their experience in order to succeed. Depending on existing strategies, companies should insider entering into a venture arrangement with the local representatives or distributors.This is cheaper and will be made easier if the venture company operates the same business. However, any contract agreement should include terms that permit for local production through a Joint venture, an acquisition, or a new plant. Additionally, when entering through these avenues, companies should always embark on a due diligence assessment and channel analysis. This will go a long way in managing any potential political risks (Guppy, 2006). The use of existing adv antages within the multinational company will enable it to have a bargaining rower over the foreign nation.This will work well with corporations who have large economies of scale that can enable them to influence key business decisions in the host country (Hill, 2009). An entry strategy that maximizes on the use of personal relationships will auger well with any foreign situation. Many foreign companies are known to license distributors or dealers to represent their products and services on a non-exclusive or exclusive basis. As these companies become more ascertained in multinational company gains immense power ensuring that the host country doesn't interfere with its affairs.This is referred to as an integrative technique. Another choice that may minimize political risk would be the operation companies from distant offices situated in politically stable countries either in Southeast Asia or India. The whole company or a part of it may be operated remotely (Hefted, 2007). This is r egarded as a protective technique. On other occasions, a multinational corporation may foresee certain future hardships while operating in a foreign country. In this case, it will be crucial to adopt a proactive approach to manage these risks.This strategy entails the use of campaign financing and intensive lobbying to push the host government towards handling the foreseen adversities. By so doing, the impact of those risks will be reduced before they reach the company. Managing political risks requires the use of negotiated agreements that involve all the necessary stakeholders. For instance, ALCOA managed its risks by agreeing to terms demanded by the protestors. This included an agreement to compensate all citizens who were resettled following the launch of the hydroelectric project.Similarly, they adopted the use of environmental consultants to assist in the taxation of environmental damage (Hefted, 2007). Similarly, cases of corruption and economic risks may be managed through the hiring of transparent agencies or via diversification of products to other countries. However, sometimes the multinational company may consider withdrawing altogether if the terms are too hostile. Conclusion In conclusion, it is fundamental to note that any decision to enter into international business must be accompanied by an assessment of the potential risks and threats. Political factors form the most crucial part of this assessment.This is rue because the political environment of any country has the potential to influence how business is carried out (Itchy, 2010). Given Brazier's financial stability and immense support from the state, many investors are streaming into the country. Bangladesh, on the other hand, still lurks behind in terms of political maturity and economic growth. It requires a new company to adopt various entry methods in order to remain viable. Nonetheless, by identifying and managing key elements that influence foreign trade, like political risks, new co mpanies are likely to flourish. Adler, N. (2008).

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Mini Essay on the Effect of Belonging Between a Person and a Place

‘In each of the texts, perceptions of belonging involve connections between people and places. Compare the portrayal of the connections between people and places in Mankind Is No Island and Gran Torino. ‘ For people to have a real sense of belonging, they need to make connections with the place they live and the people around them. If either of these connections is missing, then individuals will suffer as a result. Two films that examine this idea are the 2008 Tropfest Winner ‘Mankind Is No Island’ and the motion picture ‘Gran Torino’ directed by East Clintwood.The Tropfest film ‘Mankind is no Island’ represents the challenges of belonging to a place by exploring the irony of the misconceptions that cities, being so grand, would also create a grand sense of belonging within the individuals that populate them. However, the film shows us that many people are faced with isolation, starvation and alienation. This is shown in a scene with the quote ‘do we measure empathy by donations’, after these 6 words, the camera focuses on a homeless man kneeling in the street.The camera angle is low when you see the man appearing to be begging for money. His head is positioned downwards at the bag in front of him, with no great deal of donations. This shot also shows people on the street walking past the man without so much as glancing in his direction, as though he does not exist. This is a visual representation that reinforces the title. It is as if the people drifting past him are depicted as the water and he himself the island. In ‘Gran Torino’, the neighbourhood in which Walt Kowalski lives is shown to be full of Hmong people.At the beginning of the movie, Walt is appearing to have a racist attitude towards his neighbours as he is always calling them ‘gooks’ or ‘zipper heads’. It is evident in the scene in which Tao’s cousin and his gang try to recruit Tao in his own front yard, that Walt does not like the Hmong people. Tao resists which causes a conflict that ends up moving over to Walt’s lawn. The scene is cut to Walt pointing a gun into the gangs’ faces whilst saying ‘get off my lawn’.One of the members of the gang says to Walt ‘are you crazy, go back in the house’ where Walt replies to this ‘how about I blow a hole in your face and then I go in the house and I sleep like a baby, you can count on that’. When Walt has a barbeque in his own backyard, inviting his new found friends over, we can clearly see the contrast in attitude that he has. He went from scowling and cursing at his Asian neighbours, to having a full grin and laughing with them while sharing a friendly gathering. In this scene, Walt feels as though he belongs with this family more than he does with his own.Tao’s family accepts him for who he is and doesn’t expect anything from him. Walt and the Hmong family are able to make jokes about each other that aren’t politically correct, but they are accepted for they trust and accept that it is how Walt is, because he comes from an age where making racial comments was less criticized. In conclusion, both ‘Mankind Is No Island’ and ‘Gran Torino’ show that connections with people and places are essential in creating a sense of belonging within oneself. When someone feels as though they truly belong to someone or something, they become much happier.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Marketing - Research Paper Example Average consumers Another attribute that I would use to segment the market is by the level of the consumption by the consumers. Most particularly I would focus at needs of the teenagers who are key part that forms average consumers. In this regard, I will undertake an intensive advertisement especially via the social sites such as face book and twitter in order to capture the attention of the average consumers. Benefits One of the key aspects that I would consider in the product segmentation is the benefits provided by the product. TM new products will create a strong positive relationship with our consumers thus enhancing the sales and profitability of the company. Additionally, the new product will be a favorite brand for young people in colleges especially during social occasions. Usage Based on the usage of the brands, consumers of the soft drink can be classified into light, medium and heavy consumers. Task 2. Major segments of the soft drink product Based on the psychographic a spects described in task 1, this section identifies key segments that I will focus at in order to maximize the sales and the consumption of the TM new product. Fashionable brand conscious customers This is one of the major soft drink segments that include young people in colleges and universities. ... Average consumers are mostly pressurized to buy due to advertisement and intensive promotions. The major group under this category is the teenagers. Additionally, this group of consumers looks for quality and the ingredients that make up the brands that are useful in making them strong and energetic. In this regard, I will undertake an intensive advertisement especially via the social sites such as face book and twitter in order to capture the attention of the average consumers. Benefits As mentioned earlier, consumers are attracted by products that offer them maximum benefits. By ensuring that TM new product is effectively packaged and that customers will easily carry the products, a positive product-brand relationship will improve the profitability and the sales of the company. To ensure that our consumers are aware of the benefits of the new product, an extensive advertisement and adequate training of new and existing consumers will be carried out. Usage The new product will be di rected to average consumers. This is based on the fact that by ensuring the loyalty of the average consumers, the product will be highly demanded when the average consumers changes to heavy consumers. Task 3. Profile of each of the major segments Market segment Profile Fashionable brand conscious customers The new products needs to look attractive thus attracting the attention of the young consumers. Additionally, it will portray a feeling of coolness. Average consumers Consumers are teenagers who will be attracted by advertisement and promotions through social media including face book and twitter. More advertisement will be conducted before evening prime news in major TV channels. Benefits

Monday, October 7, 2019

Balanced Scorecard and answer 2 questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Balanced Scorecard and answer 2 questions - Essay Example They need to get a clear picture of performance in order to identify and align their initiatives. With the implementation of the scorecards they will be able to link their strategies with long term goals Governments are trying to be more business-like and are trying to use result oriented sector management tools, thus the adoption of the scorecards. Although the scorecard is not yet implemented full many government organizations have started adopting it and customizing it to fit their needs. The several organizations and governments that have already adopted it demonstrate that the balanced score card can be applied successfully to the government sector. The customer perspective should be at the top in a governments balance scorecard. However, the other three perspectives are not provided for in the order in which they should appear, but all of them eventually lead towards the customer in the balanced score

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Identify & reviewing the company's investor relations information Essay

Identify & reviewing the company's investor relations information - Essay Example In sum, net profit declined by 3.13%. This can be attributed to a significant increase in operating expense from $46.875 in 2010 to $47.373 in 2011 while increase in sales was only moderate from $49.243 in 2010 to $49.747 in 2011. The profitability ratio of the company is not that very good. Return on assets (Net income/average total assets, 1,427.00/17,849.00) is only 7.9 %. It meant that the company use a lot of resources to yield returns. Return on equity ratio(net income/average stockholders’ equity, 1,427.00/6,602) or Equity per share (EPS) however is moderately positive with 21.6 % return to investors. But while the company is giving modest returns, its stability in terms of debt to equity (total liability/total stockholder’s equity) ratio is very disturbing. Its debt is more than 270.35% (17,849/6,602) than its equity which means that the company is heavily indebted. This is being supported by its liquidity ratio which has current ratio (Current asset/current lia bility) of .47 which means that Best Buy cannot settle its obligations right away and has to source out more than half of its obligations. The shortcoming of Best Buy is however recognized by the company and vowed to address them. In its press release, it enumerated as one of its action plans to improve business performance is its reduction in its operating cost which caused the the company’s lesser profitability. It vowed to reduced cost by $800 million dollars and along with this is the closure of 50 big box stores in 2013 to be replaced by 100 Best Buy Mobile small format stand-alone stores in fiscal 2013 (Epstein, 2012). It also plans to grow its online presence revenue by 15% recognizing the growing profitability in ecommerce. If I am an investor, I will not put my money in Best Buy because I am worried with the company’s long-term stability. It just owes a lot